Chapter 14, Problem 19A

Summary Introduction

Introduction:

A sequence of chemical events preceded the origin of life on Earth and that life has evolved continuously since that time. Some of the early theories of origin of life were theory spontaneous generation and theory of biogenesis.

Answer to Problem 19A

Correct answer:

The correct answer is option (A) biogenesis theory

Explanation of Solution

Explanation/justification for the correct answer :

Option (A) biogenesis theory. Louis Pasteur designed an experiment to show that only living organisms can produce other living organisms. This is called theory of biogenesis. Thus, this is the correct answer.

The explanation for the incorrect answer :

Option (B) endosymbiont theory. The endosymbiont theory explains how eukaryotic cells might have evolved from prokaryotic cells. Thus, this is an incorrect option.

Option (C) evolution theory. This theory was proposed Charles Darwin. Thus, this is an incorrect answer.

Option (D) spontaneous generation theory. This theory was proposed by Francesco Redi that states that life has originated from non-life. Thus, this is an incorrect answer.